Guide to growing tubers
<p>Potatoes aren’t the only tuber in the garden, though they do seem to steal all of the headlines. Turmeric, ginger, horseradish and wasabi are all part of this group of mysterious subterranean dwellers. Although they are not prolifically planted in the home garden, they are relatively straightforward to grow and perfectly suited to pots.</p>
<p>All tubers love a loose and friable soil that allows easier passage of the roots. You need to ensure it is free draining and won’t become boggy or waterlogged, as that can cause rotting. This is achieved in a good quality potting mix, but when planting in the ground make sure to loosen the surface and incorporate plenty of organic matter.</p>
<p>The break of spring is the best time for planting and division of roots, and most prefer a warmer climate to thrive; however, ideal conditions do vary from plant to plant. Wasabi, for example, loves the temperate regions, while ginger prefers more tropical climes. All, however, are sun-smart and prefer part shade. This means that B-grade spaces of the patch are now up for grabs. Make sure you help them out and protect them from hot afternoon sun.</p>
<p><strong>Nonno’s tip:</strong></p>
<p>You can keep perpetuating plants by breaking off segments – keeping the bulk for your harvest – and then using the remaining pieces for replanting. The preference is to replant those that are already sprouting.</p>
<p><strong>Kitchen tip:</strong></p>
<p>While the roots are the prized possession, the stems and leaves are also edible. In particular, the lower stem is the most tender and flavoursome and shouldn’t be ignored.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Easy to grow:</strong> 4</p>
<p><strong>Small space suitability:</strong> 3</p>
<p><strong>Yield value:</strong> 4</p>
<p><strong>Je ne sais quoi/pleasure:</strong> 4</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>When to plant:</strong></p>
<p>Zone 1 Oct–Dec</p>
<p>Zone 2 Sep–Jan</p>
<p>Zone 3 Aug–Dec</p>
<p>Zone 4 Mar–Oct</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Best grown from:</strong> Tuber</p>
<p><strong>Depth: </strong> The top of the tuber covered over with a few centimetres of soil.</p>
<p><strong>Spacing:</strong> 30–50 cm (1 ft–1 ft 8 in)</p>
<p><strong>Time to 1st harvest:</strong> 90+ days</p>
<p><strong>Ideal pH level:</strong> 5.5–7.0</p>
<p><strong>Favourite small-space variety:</strong> Turmeric</p>
<p><strong>Best suited to:</strong> Pots, in-ground</p>
<p><strong>Common problems:</strong> Rotting</p>
<p><img width="135" height="171" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7264650/grow-food-anywhere-cvr_135x171.jpg" alt="Grow Food Anywhere CVR (1)" style="float: right;"/></p>
<p><em>This is an edited extract from </em>Grow. Food. Anywhere.<em> by Mat Pember & Dillon Seitchik-Reardon published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $45 and is available in stores nationally. Image credit: John Laurie</em></p>
